The summer of our innocence is past;
Fear and suspicion roam the land, plundering the smiles;
Never more to trust? Never more to welcome?
The visitor we harbored attacked us;
We opened our doors and he destroyed our homes;
His hate killed thousands, cost billions.
Can we summon forgiveness?
Can we learn to trust, to live again?
Can we recover openness and innocence?
first published in St. Anthony’s Messenger
also published in PICTURE HEALING Chapbook
©2001 Bonnie Manion